She eventually earned an apprenticeship with the company, and soon landed a spot with the then-up and coming Pilobolus dance troupe based in Washington.

She accepted the role with Pilobolus and worked with the group -- then made up of two women and four men -- for 10-plus years, which afforded her the opportunity to travel all around the world.

"I feel lucky to have had that experience," she said.

Mrs. Darling was still training with Pilobolus when she began teaching dance for Margia Calagari at 73 Bridge St. in New Milford.

When Ms. Calagari announced she planned to leave teaching, her students were disappointed. It seemed an opportune time for Mrs. Darling to follow her dreams of having her own studio.

"The signs were there to do it," Mrs. Darling said.

The studio opened its doors at 73 Bridge St. -- in the building formerly located at the intersection of Route 67 and East Street -- in 2004. At the time, Mrs. Darling was still touring part time with Pilobolus.